Smile.... just Smile!!!

I have another update for the progress with my dentures. I had another fitting done yesterday. But the most exciting part is that the dentures are a week from being pretty much done. I'll be bring them home next week to try them out. As long as things go as planned. Here's the new look. 

They aren't all the way done. So I'll post a new picture once they are. I'm really glad this journey is almost over. All I have to do is fight through the pain and get used to them. Then, I'll finally be free. I won't be held back from life because of my teeth any longer!!!!!!!

Taking Things For Granted.....

Ten years ago, I wouldn't have told you that I would have seen myself sitting here in my kitchen being thankful for the things such as solid foods, cold drinks, or any other thing we take in our daily lives for granted.

On November 14th, I had a full mouth extraction. Yes, as some already know I'm only twenty-four years old. Due to medical needs, I had to have every tooth pulled. Here it is almost four weeks later and I want to share more of this journey with you. First, this is what I looked like two days after the surgery. (Remember it's taking a lot to share this.)

I've been thinking about sharing this just didn't know how much I would actually touch with my words. I'd like to see this post make you think. Let me tell you that I regret not being thankful for having my teeth when they were healthy. Living with out them at this moment in time is hard.

I am completely embarrassed with how I look. My image has changed so much. I can't even bare looking in the mirror but I go about my day not even thinking about this. Some would think it wouldn't be that bad. Well, at times it is. Like when I'm hungry and I see people around me eating foods I love. I just want to grab some as well but then I remember I can't really chew it. So, I go to the cabinet and grab more soup or pasta. At this point that's pretty much what I can eat.

About five days after my surgery, I was out shopping with my Mom even though I didn't want to. But I had no choice. I felt like everyone was looking at me. At first I couldn't deal with the cold which in turn made my jaw hurt. I didn't eat so we decided to stop at Bob Evans. This way I could take my pain meds as well. While we were there, I saw my mom and her husband order some great looking food.

After our food arrived, my step dad started complaining about not getting all of his bacon he ordered. They forgot one piece. I was baffled by this. Here he was ABLE to eat bacon and all he could do was think about that one strip of bacon. WOW... was all I thought. So, I told him, "At least you can eat it. Just be thankful for that."

After saying this I looked at my mom and said "It's amazing how much in life we take for granted." While they enjoyed their nice hot solid meals, I enjoyed mashed potatoes and gravy with hot coco. And even tried a strawberry smoothy, thinking the cold would help my swelling.

So, the moral of this story is to be thankful for EVERYTHING in life. Not just the big stuff.

What small thing in your life are you thankful for?

The Waiting Game

 As everyone who's been following along with my story knows, I'm in the process of preparing for a full mouth extraction.

This past Wednesday I met with the dental surgeon who may be doing the surgery providing the insurance approves it from that aspect. They told me that the procedure would be about two hours long and I'd be put "to sleep". This sounds good so I don't have to go through the entire two hours watching what they are doing.

At this point in time, I have no idea when they are going to do it. I guess the way it works is... my home dentist got the approval for the dentures. I misunderstood them thinking this was for everything. The insurance company has to also approve the "plan" and agree to pay for what the surgeon has planned. They said that it will be a rough road to recovery but once it's done... I will be agreeing that this was the best thing I ever did.

In all bluntness, I'm scared shitless. I'm so nervous. I have a five year old and my fiance works. He can put her off to school but I'm the one who normally gets her off the bus. So, at this point I have no idea how we are going to work this. Over the coarse of five years, I've heard friends and family tell me that I need to get my teeth taken care of and they would be there to help.

Wednesday was a challenge to all of them... I guess you could say a test in which several failed. People told me they had things to do around the time my daughter got off the bus and therefore couldn't get her. (If I wasn't back in time). I had two offers to help from those I least expected. So, I want to thank that person for coming to help when I needed you. I appreciate it.

So, I'm asking anyone out there that's been through this to share tips for afterward on the healing process and how I can make myself the most comfortable. What types of things should I avoid? Is it very painful? Help me ease my mind so nothing comes as a surprise.

Thanks for reading.

Outcome of Dentist Appointment

Yesterday I went to the dentist to get a troublesome tooth taken care of. I didn't expect them to do much at all. For the past five years, any dentist I went to pretty much only did the basics. They never actually tried to fix the issues I have with my teeth. We've always ran into something that stopped me from my goal. My goal is a full mouth extraction and dentures. It's hard finding a dentist who'd be willing to pull all the teeth of a 24 yr old.

The dentist deemed it medically necessary to have a full mouth extraction and dentures placed. My prayer answered. I began crying because I never thought I'd hear those words.

I've been referred to a dentist who will remove all my teeth. I've called and made the consultation appointment. The sooner I get it and get this started, the sooner I will be in a good pain. Pain from healing and on my way to a beautiful smile once again.

I will be documenting each step (if all parties agree) so all my followers can follow me with this journey as well.

Thanks to all those who added me into their prayers. God Bless.

Prayers Needed

For all those out there willing.... please add me to your prayers. I've been in pain for the past day over my teeth. My fiance is calling around to see if he can get me into a dentist. I need all of my teeth pulled at the age of 24. The pain is too much. As I'm writing this, I am looking at my screen through tears. I'm asking for everyone to pray that I get the help that I need when it comes to getting this taken care of.

Thank you very much.

It's Time

I have come to the conclusion today that I can't let this go on any longer. I have written a blog in the past about my dental problems. Today, while eating a mini pepperoni roll two of my teeth broke in half. Thus, causing me even more pain. I have been in non-stop pain for the past few days and I can't take it any more.

My daughter came up to me today after my teeth broke and I was crying in pain/disbelief. (Pasta and breads are pretty much the only solids I can eat) Now, I'm afraid I am only down to a liquid (soups) diet. She looked at me, took the roll out of my hand, and placed it on my napkin. Then, she put her hands softly on each side of my face and looked into my eyes. Next, she said, "Mommy, we need to get this fixed. I don't like you crying like this."

This is when it hit me. Not only are my teeth slowly killing me (emotionally and probably physically) but they also effect her as well. So, I have made my decision... it's time to see if I can actually get them done. I wasn't able to before because I didn't have dental coverage. Now, I have state insurance and I pray that they will help me.

It's taken me so long to make this decision because of fear. Fear of being judged. Fear of being able to afford everything. Fear of the recovery. I pray, that if I could only have one thing done in my life, my dream to have my smile back, will be done.

I will keep writing on this process and hopefully it will have a beautiful light at the end of this very long tunnel. Then, I will be able to smile once again.